Illegal holiday rentals surge in Spain triggering stricter regulations

Illegal holiday lets are currently under scrutiny in the Balearic Islands, Spain, after new data has revealed that over two million tourists stayed in private homes or unregulated accommodation in 2023.

According to Frontur statistics from the National Statistics Institute (INE) for 2023, 2.3 million tourists stayed with friends or family or used illegal rentals which has contributed to overcrowding on the islands, reported the Majorca Daily Bulletin.

The data suggested that more tourists are opting to stay in private homes or unregulated accommodation as opposed to registered hotels or holiday lets. As such, out of the 17.8 million tourists visiting the Balearic Islands in the record-breaking year of 2023, nearly 20% did not pay for traditional accommodation, possibly staying in illegal lodgings instead.

Have you stayed with family in Spain recently and seen the impact of 'over-tourism' on the community? Email us at [email protected]

Protestors take part in a performance depicting tourists and Mallorcans in traditional costume during a demonstration to protest against the massification of tourism

Additionally, around one million tourists spent their holidays in their second homes, meaning they didn't spend a penny on typical hotel accommodation, or the eco-tax associated with tourist accommodation.

The influx of short-term rental accommodation has caused a housing crisis in Spain, especially in major cities and tourist hotspots. In May, Spanish authorities announced that they would be implementing stricter regulations on illegal rentals. Under new laws passed by the Balearic Government, landlords who fail to register to pay Spain's mandatory tourist tax will be shut down.

The wide-ranging decree covers numerous issues, including 46 law changes in total spanning across nature conservation, waste, roads and tourism. In Majorca, short-term holiday rentals in residential zones have been banned altogether.

Areas of Spain have experienced protesting in the past months due to issues of 'over-tourism'. Many locals are protesting about the increasing cost of rent being driven up by tourists, damage to sites of historical or cultural significance, and the behaviour of some tourists when visiting.

In particular, protesters in Barcelona expressed their anger that the amount of rentals available to tourists has driven prices up and forced locals to move out of their neighbourhoods.

Just last week Balearic authorities met to discuss the issues of 'over-tourism' as the islands "no longer feel visited, but invaded", according to Pedro Mas Bergas, the Council of Majorca's director for tourism governance and sustainability.

Also last week, the mayor of Magaluf warned Brits "we are not your amusement park", as he also revealed that in attempt to curtail boozy British behaviour, a street drinking ban and restrictions on late-night booze sales are being trialled until 2027.

Protestors demonstrating across Spain have been demanding access to decent housing, an end to property speculation, gentrification and neighbourhood eviction, improvements to public services, decent and well-paid job opportunities, conservation of natural areas and respect of their culture and language.

The next scheduled protest is due to take place in Majorca, on July 21.

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